The 2024 Australian Open is set to kick off in a few weeks. The players are in their final phases of training and practice sessions. The players returning to the sport will have a more challenging time adjusting to the current conditions. It will be tough but worthwhile, as the fans are eager to see them on the court. One of the players who is hoping for an inspiring return is Emma Raducanu.
Raducanu spent time with Somdev Devvarman during her practice sessions. Since her separation from coach Sebastian Sachs in June, Raducanu has been without a coach. She has been training with her childhood coach, Nick Cavaday, along with Cavaday, the former Indian player serving as a hitting partner in the 2024 Australian Open preparation.
Devvarman was ranked as high as No.62 and had retired from the game in 2016. Since then, he has been into commentary and mentored Sumit Nagal earlier this year. Devvarman has been on court with Raducanu to help her prepare for a triumphant return to the WTA tour. Raducanu will begin her Australian Open campaign after the first week of January.
Emma Raducanu heads the list of qualifiers at the Australian Open
The Australian Open has announced the qualifiers list for the event. The qualifying rounds will begin on January 8th. Raducanu received a special ranking of No.103 as listed among her peers. The former world No.10 will have to win three matches to qualify for the main draw. She is the fourth highest-ranked player among the rest of the qualifiers.
Raducanu is the only grand slam winner in the list of qualifiers. She had won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier and will have to go through the same at Melbourne. The 21-year-old will play at the Auckland classic, which can give her an idea of her form before entering the Australian Open. The Auckland classic will begin on January 1st and will go on for a week.
Emma Raducanu 🇬🇧 leaving London to go ‘down under’ to start her 2024 season in NZ and Australia
Good Luck Emma! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZhdGt2O6c6
— The Tennis Talker (@TheTennisTalker) December 25, 2023
Raducanu will hope for a positive outing at Auckland. She had issued a walkover at the event in the fourth round this year. Things will be different this time as Raducanu will be playing a match after eight months. She will be careful not to exert too much pressure on her wrists even though it has healed. Only a week remains until Raducanu returns to duty, eager to hear the crowd’s chants.